HOLLYOAKS star Kieron Richardson has said Phillip Schofield helped him speak about his sexuality for the first time ten years ago.

The actor, 34, came out as gay on This Morning in 2010 during an interview with Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby.

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Kieron Richardson revealed he is gay on This Morning in 2010

Sharing a throwback to the powerful moment, Kieron wrote: “Philip and holly were the first people I told on @thismorning 10 years ago ...letting me be brave and honest and confronting my truth...

“It was the best thing I did and have nothing but love and respect for him today ALL hail scofe!!!!!”

At the time Kieron’s character on the Channel 4 soap, Ste, was also coming out when he fell for Brendan Brady (Emmett Scanlan).

As he spoke about the plot on the morning TV show, he shared his own experience for the first time.

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Kieron bravely shared his own story in ten years ago

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Phillip made his own announcement on the show todayCredit: Rex Features

Kieron, who is now star of Kay Mellor's "Band of Gold" touring theatre show, said: "I am gay in real life and at 20 years old I kind of accepted it myself and now I can finally relate to my character Ste that he's 20 and he's going through things that I went through in my past.”

Kieron is now married to long-term partner Carl Hyland and is a dad to twins born in 2017.

Earlier today Phillip, 57, appeared on This Morning after revealing on his Instagram stories that he had "been coming to terms with the fact that I am gay".

He became emotional and said he "wasn't being honest with myself" as he talked publicly about his sexuality for the first time.

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Kieron is now happy married with twins

Phillip, who has been a fixture on the programme since 2002, has been married to wife Steph for more than 20 years and they have two daughters - Molly and Ruby.

He and Willoughby appeared as guests on the show, which on a Friday morning is normally hosted by Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford.

The present spoke of the support he has received, telling Holly: "It's funny because everyone I have spoken to, you have all been so supportive, so loving and caring.

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Phillip was supported by his co-stars Holly, Ruth and EamonnCredit: Rex Features

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"My entire family, to a person, have grabbed us and said 'It's OK, we love you, we are proud of you', and every person I tell, it gets a little lighter and a little lighter.

"But at the same time I've made this decision, which is essential for me and for my head, which is the reason why I've done this, I'm very aware that Steph and the girls are at home watching this. They have been supporting this as, we got to this moment."